This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Monday, August 24, 2026 (2 Down) and the NYT Crossword on Sunday, April 12, 2026 (33 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Monday puzzles are the easiest of the week, so the clue is likely a plain definition.
NYT Crossword, August 24, 2026, 2 Down
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
C _ _
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About the answer
CON as a word: (informal) A fraud; something carried out with the intention of deceiving, usually for personal, often illegal, gain; A disadvantage of something, especially when contrasted with its advantages (pros).
CON has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since March 5, 2026.
NYT Crossword, April 12, 2026, 33 Across
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
R _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ E
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About the answer
RUSE as a word: (countable, by extension) An action intended to deceive; a trick; (uncountable) Cunning, guile, trickery.
RUSE has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since January 1, 2026.
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